Less Toxic Pesticides

This training package was developed by UC IPM to help UC Master Gardeners educate other Master Gardeners and their local communities on understanding pesticides in general and less toxic pesticides.

Topics covered in the presentation include basic pesticide terminology, pesticide toxicity, pesticide labels, and less toxic and organic pesticides.

Getting Started

1. Prepare
   • Read the Understanding Pesticides (PDF) document created just for UC Master Gardeners. This resource should not be given out to the public.
   • View Pest Notes: Pesticides Safe and Effective Use in the Home and Landscape.
   • Visit the Urban Pesticides, Fertilizers, and Water Quality pages to learn how pesticides impact waterways.
   • Review the information provided in the Pesticide Active Ingredient Database. View the How to Use the Pesticide Active Ingredient Database document to learn about the key features of this database.
   • Come up with an exciting title for your presentation. Be careful not to use the word “safe” to describe less toxic pesticides. Example titles may include:
     • Less Toxic Pesticides
     • Pesticides That Pose Fewer Risks
     • Pesticide Safety
     • Understanding Pesticides
2. Review the PowerPoint Presentation
   • Download the Less Toxic Pesticides Presentation.
   • Review the script or notes for each slide in the PowerPoint presentation.
   • Practice presenting the information and time yourself. The presentations are meant to be about 30 minutes to 1 hour long.
3. Request Training Materials

   A loaner collection of empty, never been filled pesticide containers can be borrowed from UC IPM. Use the containers to have your audience become familiar with reading pesticide labels. Request the pesticide container loaner collection using this form. 

Primary Handouts

View these documents online or download. Your UC Master Gardener office should have paper copies of the Quick Tips cards. If not, ask your coordinator or office staff to order more.

• Less Toxic Pesticides Presentation Resources (PDF)
• Pesticide Label Reading Activity Worksheet (PDF)
• Pest Notes: Pesticides: Safe and Effective Use in the Home and Landscape
• Quick Tips related to pesticides:
• What is IPM?
• Garden Chemicals: Safe Use & Disposal
• Keep Our Water Clean
• Less Toxic Insecticides
• Weed Control Using Herbicides

Additional Resources

• Organic, Natural, and Less Toxic: What’s the Difference? (blog post)
• National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
• UC IPM online training courses
• UC IPM Statement on Homemade Pesticides (blog post)
• Pest Control and Pesticide Safety for Consumers (EPA)

Resources:

• UC IPM Home and Landscape
• Training Materials
• Request Quick Tips and Materials